From Viral Sensation to Stage Star: Laura Cox Opens Up About the Thrill and Pressure of Bringing Her YouTube Sound to Life!
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Laura Cox: From YouTube Guitarist to Rock Sensation
Laura Cox, a talented French guitarist and vocalist, embarked on her musical journey nearly two decades ago by sharing videos of her classic rock guitar performances on YouTube. To her surprise,her content quickly garnered millions of views and likes,propelling her into the spotlight.
In a short span, Laura formed her own band, stepped onto the stage, and entered a professional studio to record her first album, Hard Blues Shot, released in 2017.Since then, she has produced three more albums, with her latest release, Trouble Coming, hitting the shelves last year.
Transitioning from Online to Live Performances
During her UK tour in May, we had the chance to chat with Laura about her evolution from a home-based performer to a headline act. Her journey is a testament to the power of social media in shaping modern musicians.
Starting Out on YouTube
Laura began playing guitar at the age of 15 and, a few years later, became inspired by YouTube guitarists covering classic rock solos. “I thoght, ‘Why not give it a shot? I’ll post my own videos and see what happens,’” she recalls. Being somewhat introverted, sharing her music online felt more comfortable than forming a band right away.She started uploading videos in 2008.
“At that time, there weren’t many women in rock music, which helped me stand out. I didn’t have a strategy to gain followers; I just enjoyed playing,” she explains. however, after spending eight years on YouTube, she realized she missed the experience of jamming with other musicians.
Handling Online Criticism
YouTube comments can frequently enough be harsh, but Laura found that most feedback was positive and encouraging. “While I did receive some negative comments, including inappropriate remarks, I learned to detach myself from it. The internet isn’t real life,” she states. “YouTube was a fun outlet for me, and I focused on the good comments while letting the bad ones roll off my back.”
Musical Influences and Band Formation
Laura cites guitar legends like Slash, Mark Knopfler, and Joe Bonamassa as her primary influences. ”I spent countless hours perfecting their solos, and they shaped my playing style,” she shares. However, her musical tastes have evolved, and she now leans more towards songwriting and modern bands.
She formed her band around 2014, and thanks to her YouTube presence, she was able to secure a label and booking agent by 2016. Her debut album, Hard Blues Shot, was released shortly after, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Looking Ahead
As Laura continues to tour and create music, she remains grateful for the journey that began with a simple desire to share her passion online. Her story is a powerful reminder of how digital platforms can transform aspiring artists into celebrated musicians.
Laura Cox: Navigating the Journey from Bedroom Guitarist to Stage Performer
Laura Cox, a gifted guitarist and vocalist from france, faced a steep learning curve when she first entered the studio to record her debut album. Reflecting on that experience, she humorously describes it as a “nightmare.” Having spent years playing alone in her room, recording and re-recording at her leisure, the transition to a professional studio environment was daunting.
“The pressure was immense,” she recalls.”Every moment in the studio felt like it was costing me money, and we encountered numerous technical issues that left me feeling overwhelmed.” The stress of the situation led her to a low point after the initial recording sessions, as the endless list of tasks seemed insurmountable. Though, with each subsequent album, her confidence grew, and she found a more comfortable approach to recording, frequently enough opting to work from home for her latest project.
(Image credit: Future/Lucy Robinson)
Stepping onto the Stage
As a self-described introvert, Laura’s first live performance was a significant milestone. “it was exhilarating yet strange,” she admits. “I had been playing guitar for eight years before I ever stepped on stage.” Unlike many musicians who start performing at school events, Laura had already amassed millions of views online, which added an extra layer of pressure to her debut.
“My initial performances were filled with anxiety,” she recalls. “At my first concert, I remember rushing through the songs because I just wanted it to be over.” Over time, she has learned to manage her nerves and embrace the joy of performing live.
(Image credit: Future/Lucy Robinson)
Gear Shift: Transitioning from Les Paul to SG
Recently, Laura made a surprising switch from her beloved les Paul to a Gibson SG. “I’ve always identified as a Les Paul player,inspired by Slash,” she explains. ”But when Gibson offered me a new SG to try, I was hesitant at first.”
After some initial reluctance, she decided to give it a shot. “Onc I started playing the SG, I was amazed at how much easier it felt compared to the Les Paul,” she shares. The lighter weight and comfortable design made it her go-to guitar for practice and performances.
“Now, I alternate between the SG and Les Paul Juniors during gigs, as they provide a lighter alternative,” she adds. ”The SG has been my primary guitar for the past two years, and its neck feels just right for my playing style.”
Modifications and Personal Touches
Laura has made several modifications to her SG to suit her preferences. “I swapped out the original ’61 Burstbuckers for Gibson ’57 Classic pickups, but I’m still experimenting to find the perfect sound,” she notes. “I also changed the pickguard from black to a more visually appealing option and updated the pots and knobs for aesthetics.”
“I’m still on the lookout for additional upgrades, but I feel incredibly comfortable playing this guitar on stage, so I anticipate it will remain my main instrument for the foreseeable future,” she concludes.
LAURA COX – No Need to Try Harder (Official music video) – YouTube
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Laura cox: The Journey of a Guitar Virtuoso
laura Cox, a renowned guitarist and vocalist, reflects on her journey with her beloved Firebird guitar, which she acquired years ago. This particular model, a Firebird V from 2013, remains untouched in terms of modifications as it delivers the sound she desires.
“I wanted something distinct from my humbucker guitars,” Laura explains. “The mini-humbuckers offer a unique tonal quality that enhances my playing and songwriting.” The unconventional shape of the Firebird also adds an element of visual appeal during live performances,often drawing compliments from audiences. ”After shows, people frequently comment on how cool the guitar looks,” she adds. At one point, she considered selling it, but friends advised against it, and she’s grateful they did. “I recently rediscovered it and now I can’t imagine parting with it,” she shares.
(Image credit: Future/lucy Robinson)
Amplifying the Sound: Laura’s Gear Choices
As an endorser of Marshall amplifiers, Laura utilizes two Studio Vintage 20 heads during her live performances-one as her primary and the other as a backup. “Thes amps are compact yet powerful,” she notes. While she previously used matching 2×12 cabinets, she has recently upgraded to a 4×12 1960AX cabinet to enhance her sound’s fullness and headroom.
Future Projects: New Music on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Laura is eager to record her next album. “I don’t have any material ready yet, but I plan to start recording before the year ends,” she reveals. After completing her UK tour, she intends to retreat to her creative space to brainstorm new ideas. “I want to maintain the momentum between albums and keep the inspiration flowing,” she emphasizes, expressing her excitement for new releases.
From Viral Sensation to Stage Star: Laura Cox Opens Up About the Thrill and Pressure of Bringing Her YouTube Sound to life!
From Viral Sensation to Stage star: Laura Cox Opens Up About the Thrill and Pressure of Bringing Her YouTube Sound to Life!
The Rise of Laura Cox: A YouTube Phenomenon
laura Cox, a French guitarist and singer, began her journey in music by sharing her guitar performances on YouTube. With a passion for classic rock, she quickly gained a following, amassing millions of views on her videos. Her unique style and talent resonated with audiences, transforming her from a bedroom guitarist into a viral sensation.
Early Days on YouTube
Starting her YouTube channel at the age of 15, Laura was inspired by other musicians who showcased their skills online. Her initial videos featured her playing classic rock solos, which not only showcased her talent but also connected her with a community of music lovers. This platform allowed her to experiment with her sound and gain valuable feedback from viewers.
Key Milestones in Her YouTube Career
First Video Upload: Laura uploaded her first video in 2008, focusing on classic rock covers.
viral Success: Her engaging performances led to rapid growth in subscribers and views.
Formation of a Band: Inspired by her online success, Laura formed a band to take her music to the next level.
Transitioning to Live Performances
after years of performing in front of a camera, Laura faced the challenge of stepping onto a live stage. The transition from a digital platform to a physical audience brought a new set of pressures and thrills.
The Pressure of Live Performances
Performing live for the first time was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking for Laura. with millions of views behind her, she felt the weight of expectations. “I remember feeling overwhelmed,” she shares. “I had to deliver a performance that matched the hype.”
First Live Experience: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Her first concert was a whirlwind of emotions. Laura recalls:
“I played all the songs too fast as I just wanted it to be over. the pressure was intense, but it was also incredibly rewarding.”
Benefits of Live Performances
Despite the initial anxiety,Laura discovered numerous benefits to performing live:
Connection with Fans: Live performances allow artists to connect with their audience on a personal level.
Immediate Feedback: Performing live provides instant reactions from the crowd, which can be motivating.
Growth as an Artist: Each performance helps artists refine their skills and stage presence.
Behind the scenes: Recording in the Studio
Transitioning from YouTube to a professional studio was another significant step in Laura’s career.The experience was both thrilling and daunting.
First Studio Experience: Challenges Faced
Laura describes her first studio session as a “nightmare.” She was used to recording alone,where she could perfect every note. In the studio, though, time was money, and technical difficulties added to her stress. “We faced numerous challenges, and I felt like I was in over my head,” she admits.
Learning and Growing Through Adversity
Despite the challenges, Laura learned valuable lessons during her studio sessions:
Time Management: Understanding the importance of staying on schedule.
Collaboration: Working with engineers and bandmates to create a cohesive sound.
adaptability: Learning to adjust to unexpected situations in a high-pressure surroundings.
Laura’s Gear: The Instruments Behind the Sound
As a guitarist, the instruments Laura chooses play a crucial role in her sound. She has transitioned from using a Les Paul to an SG, and each guitar brings its unique flavor to her music.
Why the Switch to SG?
Laura explains her decision to switch to an SG:
“The SG is lighter and easier to play. Once I started using it, I found it hard to go back to the Les Paul.”
Her Beloved Firebird
In addition to her SG, Laura also plays a firebird V from 2013. This guitar features mini-humbuckers, which provide a distinct tone that complements her style. ”I love how it looks and sounds,” she says, emphasizing its unique shape that catches the eye of fans.
live Gear Setup
Laura’s live setup includes:
Equipment
Description
Guitars
Gibson SG and Firebird V
Amplifiers
Marshall Studio Vintage 20
Cabinet
Marshall 1960AX 4×12
Future Aspirations: New Music on the Horizon
Laura is eager to continue her musical journey and is currently working on new material. “I want to keep the momentum going,” she states.After her UK tour, she plans to focus on writing and recording her next album.
Tips for Aspiring Musicians
for those looking to follow in Laura’s footsteps, she offers some practical advice:
Embrace Your Unique Sound: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and instruments.
Engage with Your Audience: Build a connection with your fans through social media and live performances.
Stay Persistent: The music industry can be challenging, but perseverance is key to success.
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